We are spending an increasing amount of time indoors and online, but studies show that we need the complete opposite to help our brains and bodies to stay healthy. According to one Finnish study, spending just 15 minutes sitting in nature helped people feel psychologically restored and those results were even faster when that time was spent walking.
“Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.”
EO wilson (Theory of biophilia)
Spending time in the sun also helps your body create vitamin D which studies have shown may help prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart attacks. Being outside also strengthens your immune system generally. There are studies that show that some trees emit invisible chemicals known as phytoncides that have the potential to reduce stress hormones like cortisol, lower blood pressure and improve immunity. Another Japanese study showed women who spent six hours in the woods over a two-day period increased their white blood cells, which fight viruses, and the effect lasted about a week after the experiment had finished.
